Poll: Keystone splits Dems in key demographics

Fifty-six percent of conservative or moderate Democrats approve of the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline, according to a new survey.

A Pew Research poll released Wednesday shows the deep divide within the Democratic party about a pipeline that is projected to carry 830,000 barrels of oil a day into the United States from Canada if approved. Overall, 49 percent of Democrats favor construction, while 38 percent oppose it.

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Only 32 percent of conservative to moderate Democrats oppose the pipeline while 12 percent are unsure. Forty-six percent of liberal Democrats oppose construction of the pipeline, compared to 40 percent who support it.

The survey finds divides in the party based on age, sex, education and income.

Majorities of Democrats who make less than $50,000 a year (54 percent) or who do not have a college education (53 percent) also approve of construction.

At the same time, only 39 percent of college graduates approve of construction. Thirty-six percent of those making more than $100,000 approve of construction. Forty-eight percent of those making between $50,000 and $100,000 approve of it.

Men are much more likely than women to approve construction of Keystone. Fifty-eight percent of male Democrats approve of the pipeline, while 38 percent oppose it. Six percent of men are undecided.

Young Democrats aged 18-29 are the most like to favor construction, at 55 percent. Fifty percent of those over 50 approve, while 45 percent of people aged 30-49 approve.

The survey shows little change in overall approval among all Americans. Sixty-one percent of people favor construction, while 27 percent oppose it. A Pew poll last year found 66 percent approved of construction. And a Washington Post-ABC News poll earlier this month found 65 percent approve it.